International student update: Hardship funding, student support and working in the UK

I hope you are keeping safe and well.  I recognise that the Covid-19 pandemic continues to impact our international students, both personally and in their studies.  

Events around the world, including war, conflict and industrial disputes, have also contributed to this year being incredibly tough for you. Some of you may be experiencing great difficulty supporting yourself at this time. Please read this update carefully; it includes important information about the support available to you from the University.  

This update covers: 

• Hardship funding for international students 
• Support from your Faculty Student Services 
• Punjabi message from Giani Shyam Singh, Sikh Chaplain, about support for students from India  
• Working in the UK 
• Updating your contact details   

Hardship funding for international students 

The University has some additional funding available if you need it, which can be accessed by all students, home or international, who are struggling to support themselves financially.  

You will not be required to repay this funding, and making a claim will not impact your visa. This money is not public funding, which is not allowed under your visa conditions, so please do not worry that you may get into trouble if you claim these funds. 

Applications for the hardship fund should be made through e:Vision, and if you'd like advice on how to make an application, please email: money@wlv.ac.uk.  

This funding offers short-term support with a one-off payment to help towards general living expenses or unexpected costs.  

If you are worried about your long-term finances, you may wish to speak with the Student Funding team, who will talk to you on a confidential basis. You can contact the team by calling: 01902 32 1070. The Students' Union Advice and Representation Centre also provide confidential advice. 

For further information about support for international students, please email: internationalsupport@wlv.ac.uk.  

Find out more about hardship funding

Support from your Faculty Student Services 

Studying during this time may challenge you in unexpected ways, especially when you're balancing your studies with work and home commitments. If you feel stressed or anxious, you can find the support you need at the University.    

Your Faculty Student Services should be the first point of call to access support and advice, and the easiest way to contact them is by the e:Vision Helpdesk.   

Your Faculty Student Services can help you with: 

• Submitting your assignments and getting an extension 
• Accessing student advisers 
• Module registration, enrolment and timetabling 
• Taking a leave of absence 
• Applying for extenuating circumstances 
• Official letters and study transcripts 
• Accessing wellbeing support 

All students can access online mental health and wellbeing support 24/7 through Togetherall – an online community monitored by trained professionals. If you feel that you need advice or extra support, please check our self-help resources webpage or complete the mental health and wellbeing support registration form.     

Find out more about the student support services available to you here:  www.wlv.ac.uk/support.  

Punjabi message from Giani Shyam Singh, Sikh Chaplain, about support for students from India  

Giani Shyam Singh, our Sikh Chaplain from the Multi-Faith Chaplaincy, has recorded a message for students from India in Punjabi. This message includes information on support available to those impacted by the Covid-19 situation in India, including the Students' Union Pandemic Support Fund, which offers a one-off £50 voucher to help during this difficult time.  

Watch the video message

Working in the UK 

Please remember that if you are an international student living in the UK on a Student Route (Tier 4) Visa, you must not work more than 20 hours a week during term time. There are also some limitations on the types of work you can do; for example, you must not be self-employed. More information can be found on the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) webpage.  

To stay safe whilst working in the UK, it is important to remember: 

• A genuine employer will never take or keep your personal property or documents, such as your passport and mobile phone.  
• In the UK, people who work should have an employment contract that sets out their job, how many hours they are expected to work, and what they will get paid.  
• Workers in the UK are paid the National Minimum Wage; this is the law. 
• You should receive proper training in how to do the job and the right kind of equipment to be safe at work. 
• A genuine employer cannot force you to stay in accommodation provided by themselves or the business.  

If you would like to talk to someone about any concerns you have with your job or employer, you can speak to your Faculty Student Services by logging a Helpdesk call in e:Vision.  

The Students' Union Advice and Representation Centre (ARC) offers professional, free, independent, and confidential advice and representation for all students at the University of Wolverhampton. All enquiries are dealt with in the strictest confidence, meaning they will not tell anyone you have been to see them or disclose anything that you have told them unless you have given permission. 

Updating your contact details   

Your contact details must always be kept up to date. Please ensure that where you live now (even if only temporary) is recorded in your term-time address (this may, or may not be, the same as your permanent home address).    

• Log in to your e:Vision   
• Select the My Details button on the home page menu.   
• Select the View/Edit Personal Information button   
• Use the Edit buttons to update each section   

Stay up to date with the latest information   

Please keep checking your University WLV emails and reading these updates. We are committed to keeping students up to date. We do this by email, on our social media channels (Instagram,  Twitter and Facebook) and the University student news web page.   

Visit our dedicated Covid-19 webpages for information on how you can stay safe and help protect our University community during the pandemic.   

Thank you, and stay safe.  

Tim Steele  

Pro Vice-Chancellor Global Opportunities